'Dancing with the Stars' Eliminates Early Frontrunner

May 13, 2014 (5:30 am) GMT

Charlie White and his partner Sharna Burgess are sent packing despite getting a perfect score for their solo dance last week.

It was a shocking elimination on "Dancing with the Stars" Monday, May 12. Charlie White, who became an early frontrunner as soon as the 18th edition of the dancing competition began, and his partner Sharna Burgess got the boot in the latest episode.

"What's about to happen is arguably the biggest shock of the season - of many seasons," host Tom Bergeron warned viewers before announcing the results. "Our judges are shocked. I'm shocked," co-host Erin Andrews said later.

Charlie said after learning his fate, "All these people are so deserving. From start to finish, it's been an amazing journey. He added that he would now support Meryl Davis, stating, "Now I can 100% be a cheerleader - Team Meryl - love you."

Meanwhile, Candace Cameron Bure who landed in the bottom of leaderboard was safe. She danced a romantic Viennese waltz with Mark Ballas in the first segment of the episode honoring American icons. Len Goodman noticed "a few mistakes," guest judge Kenny Ortega said she "got a little lost," but Bruno Tonioli dubbed it "sweet." The actress earned 34 out of 40 points.

For her second number, Candace and Mark danced a jazz to Janet Jackson's "Nasty". The judges liked it and gave her 38 points for a total of 72 points. Len "thought it was wonderful," and Carrie Ann Inaba said she was "impressed," but would like to see more "attitude" in some of the movements.

Charlie and Sharna also danced twice before they got eliminated. They danced a foxtrot earlier that night and earned a perfect score of 40. "Wow. It was like you were the toast of New York," Kenny gushed. Carrie Ann exclaimed, "Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!" and Len simply said, "That's right, tonight, Charlie White! End of story."

They danced a samba next and Kenny found it "lacking a little funk." Bruno said it was "fun," while Len said Charlie "deserves to be in the finals." The Olympic ice dancer earned 36 points for his second dance.

Amy Purdy impressed the judges with her quickstep which earned 39 points. She and her pro partner Derek Hough got a standing ovation after finishing the routine. Len said he wanted more body contact, but added, "Watching you inspired me to go and do something." Kenny urged voters to send her to the finals. Oprah Winfrey, meanwhile, called during their rehearsals to show her support.

Amy also earned 39 points for her second dance, a stylish jazz. Carrie Ann said she "killed it," and Len gave the pair a standing ovation as Ken praised Derek, "You redefine choreography for a new generation."

James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd's first dance was a cha-cha to Michael Jackson's newly released song "Love Never Felt So Good". "It was a terrific number. Well done!" Len commented. Kenny called it "electrifying," while Bruno described it as "effortlessly cool and yet on fire." James earned 40 points.

In his second dance, a rumba, Len criticized James' hands, but Kenny said it was stylish and sexy. Bruno praised James' "amazing" determination. The judges gave him 36 points.

Meryl Davis, dancing with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, topped the leaderboard with perfect scores for her two routines. Len said of her first dance, a fun jive, "No peril, Meryl. That was fantastic!" Kenny said her "kicks and flicks were sending sparks all over the floor."

The judges also raved their Viennese waltz, which Bruno dubbed "magnificent." Len said, "What I love is the fact that you took that right on the edge ... there was no playing safe," while Kenny said she brought "power, grace ... everything you could ask for in a partnership."